Nova Southeastern University

M.S. in Information Technology (MSIT)
Concentration in Software Development
Concentration in Information System Security
Concentration in Educational Technology
Concentration in Information Security Management
Concentration in Information Technology Management

Introduction
Concentration in Software Development
Concentration in Information System Security
Concentration in Educational Technology
Concentration in Information Security Management
Concentration in Information Technology Management
Course Descriptions

Introduction

Information Technology spans organizational information systems, application technologies, software methods and technologies, and systems infrastructure. It focuses on meeting the needs of users within an organizational and societal context through the selection, creation, application, integration and administration of computing technologies and resources. The M.S. in Information Technology is a 36 credit-hour program with five concentration options:

1. Software Development
2. Information System Security
3. Educational Technology
4. Information Security Management
5. Information Technology Management

Each concentration includes a set of seven or eight core courses and four or five electives. All courses carry three credit hours. The program includes topics such as computer languages, database systems, human-computer interaction, system analysis and design, data networks, telecommunications, information security, computer graphics, software engineering, project management, decision making, client-server and distributed computing, electronic commerce, instructional technology, and multimedia. Graduates will have a broad technical understanding of current and emerging technologies in the IT field and the application of those technologies.

The program’s formats offer full-time students the opportunity to earn the degree in twelve months and working professionals the opportunity to earn the degree in 16–24 months. Students select a preferred concentration and format (online or on-campus) in their admission applications (once admitted, students may take courses in either format).  Each concentration includes a thesis option requiring six thesis credits, which would be in lieu of two elective courses.

The concentrations in Information System Security and Information Security Management include the award of graduate certificates in information security based upon existing certificate programs that are recognized by the U.S. Government. Students taking other concentrations have the option to earn a graduate certificate in information security by taking additional courses.

The graduate certificate programs are recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) based on its certification of the school’s curriculum under NSA national training standards NSTISSI No. 4011 (Information Systems Security Professionals) and CNSSI No. 4013 (System Administrators). As a result of this certification, Federal civilian and military personnel will be permitted to take the school’s certified graduate courses under government sponsorship, and the school is authorized to issue certificates to students who complete such courses. Individuals may apply to take one or more

Program Formats

Students select a preferred format (online or on-campus) in their admission applications, but once admitted may take courses in either format (except for the courses in the M.S. in information technology in education program, which are offered only online). Students electing the online format may participate in online classes from anywhere in the world where Internet access is available. On-campus classes are held on the main campus in Fort Lauderdale. Each class meets once a week from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for 16 weeks in the fall and winter terms and 14 weeks in the summer term. All degree programs include an optional six-credit thesis (the six credits for thesis are in lieu of course credit hours).

GSCIS students are provided NSU computer accounts but must obtain their own Internet service providers and use their own computer systems. Online students use the web to access course materials, announcements, email, distance library services, subscription library databases, and other information, and for interaction with faculty and fellow students. Online, interactive learning methods are based on the use of Blackboard as a course management system. Online activities facilitate frequent student-to-faculty and student-to-student interaction. They are supported by threaded discussion boards, white boards, chat rooms, email, and multimedia presentations. In addition, Blackboard enables students to submit assignments online in multimedia formats and to receive their professors’ reviews of assignments online in the same formats.

Attendance Policy

Master’s degree students are expected to be present at each meeting of their classes on campus. Exceptions to this rule may be made in the case of illness and possibly in other instances when approved by the course professor. Students should advise their course professors in advance of any anticipated absences. Additional work may be required by a course professor for any absence. Excessive absences will result in a failing grade. For online master’s courses, participation/attendance policies will be covered in the syllabus of each course.

Early Admission into the Ph.D. Program

This option provides the school’s M.S. students the opportunity to earn the Ph.D. in a shorter time. Minimum requirements for early admission are the completion of 24 credits in the M.S. program with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and the completion of specific master’s courses (see master’s program sections in the graduate catalog for details). If admitted into the Ph.D. program, students will take the remaining 12 credits for the M.S. degree in the Ph.D. program. Master’s students may apply for early admission no sooner than during the term in which they will be completing 24 credits. The application for early admission must be submitted to the Office of Admissions and must include the items listed under the Minimum Admission Requirements section for the Ph.D. program (the Office of Admissions will supply the Admissions Committee with the student’s current transcripts). The applicant is encouraged to request evaluation forms from GSCIS professors familiar with his/her academic capabilities and potential. Upon successful completion of 12 credits in the Ph.D. program, the student may apply for the master’s degree (contact the program office for a degree application).

Concentration in Software Development

This concentration focuses on the software and systems technology aspects of information systems including areas such as programming languages, operating systems, database systems, human-computer interaction, data and computer communications, and software engineering. In addition, the concentration offers the opportunity for award of a graduate certificate in information security that is recognized by the U.S. National Security Agency.

Graduates with the Concentration in Software Development are able to: (1) communicate software development concepts, designs, and solutions effectively and professionally; (2) apply knowledge of computing to produce effective designs and solutions for specific problems; (3) identify, analyze, and synthesize scholarly literature relating to software development; and (4) use software development tools, software systems, and modern computing platforms.

Concentration-Specific Admission Requirements

This concentration is designed for students with undergraduate majors in computer science, information systems, engineering, mathematics, or physics. Applicants must have knowledge of data structures and algorithms, assembly language and computer architecture, programming in a modern high-level language, and discrete mathematics. Applicants who do not have an adequate background may be required to take one or more of the following 500-level graduate courses during the first two terms of the student’s program. These are in addition to the required 36 credit hours at the 600 level.

Courses at the 500 level (see below), when required, must be completed prior to taking courses at the 600 level; however some exceptions may be permitted by the program director. MCIS 501 is prerequisite to MCIS 503.

MCIS 500  Assembly Language and Architecture 
MCIS 501  Java Programming Language                
MCIS 502  Mathematics in Computing   
MCIS 503  Data Structures and Algorithms

Curriculum for the Concentration in Software Development

Core courses are listed below. Students must take all seven core courses and five electives. If the thesis option is elected, students must take all seven core courses, three electives, and six thesis credits. Electives must be consistent with the student’s program plan. Plans for the thesis option must be made with and approved by the program office.

Core Courses  (three credits each)

CISC 610	Programming Languages
CISC 640	Operating Systems
MCIS 630	Database Systems
CISC 680	Software Engineering
CISC 650	Computer Networks
MCIS 665	Client-Server Computing
MCIS 680	Human-Computer Interaction

Suggested Electives  (three credits each)
Use of other courses in the M.S. in IT program as electives must be approved by the program director.

MMIS 625	Computer Graphics
CISC 670	Artificial Intelligence
MMIS 671	Decision Support Systems
MMIS 623	Information Privacy and Ethics
MCIS 652	Information Security
MMIS 654	Electronic Commerce on the Internet
MMIS 681	Multimedia Systems
MCIS 683	Secure Computer Systems
MCIS 684	Applied Cryptography
MCIS 685	Database Security
MCIS 686	Advanced Network Security
MCIS 687	Information Security Project

 

The Graduate Certificate in Information Security (Information System Security)

To earn the graduate certificate, students must take the five elective courses listed below. Each of these courses has prerequisite requirements which may be satisfied by taking the prerequisite courses listed in the course descriptions or by demonstrating equivalent experience or the completion of equivalent courses taken elsewhere.

MCIS   683    Secure Computer Systems
MCIS   684    Applied Cryptography
MCIS   685    Database Security
MCIS   686    Advanced Network Security
MCIS   687    Information Security Project

Concentration in Information System Security

This concentration was developed to address the rapidly growing global problems of maintaining and securing computer information. Important areas addressed by the concentration include threats and vulnerabilities, cryptography, authentication and access control, security models, network security, trusted computer systems, distributed systems security, World Wide Web security, applications security, and security management and policies.

The concentration is recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) based on its certification of the school’s curriculum for compliance with the requirements of NSA national training standards NSTISSI No. 4011 (Information Systems Security Professionals) and CNSSI No. 4013 (System Administrators). As a result of this certification, Federal civilian and military personnel will be permitted to take the school’s certified graduate courses under government sponsorship, and the school is authorized to issue certificates to students who complete such courses. Individuals may apply to take one or more certified information security courses as non-degree students. These programs are available online or on-campus. On completion of the core courses of this concentration, the student will be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Information Security (Information System Security).

A graduate with a concentration in information system security will have the ability to: (1) identify the physical and logical threats and vulnerabilities present in an existing information system infrastructure; (2) identify relevant security technologies and techniques, and identify administrative support services, necessary to secure an information infrastructure based upon the requirements specified in a security policy; (3) implement specific technical control measures necessary to satisfy the stated requirements for a secure information systems infrastructure; and (4) conduct an analysis of an existing information systems infrastructure to evaluate the validity and reliability of the security systems.

Concentration-Specific Admission Requirements

This concentration is designed for students with undergraduate majors in computer science, information systems, engineering, mathematics, or physics. Applicants must have knowledge of data structures and algorithms, assembly language and computer architecture, programming in a modern high-level language, and discrete mathematics. Applicants who do not have an adequate background may be required to take one or more of the following 500-level graduate courses during the first two terms of the student’s program. These are in addition to the required 36 credit hours at the 600 level.

Courses at the 500 level (see below), when required, must be completed prior to taking courses at the 600 level; however some exceptions may be permitted by the program director. MCIS 501 is prerequisite to MCIS 503.

MCIS 500  Assembly Language and Architecture 
MCIS 501  Java Programming Language                
MCIS 502  Mathematics in Computing   
MCIS 503  Data Structures and Algorithms.

Curriculum for the Concentration in Information System Security

Core courses are listed below. Students must take all eight core courses and four electives. If the thesis option is elected, students must take all eight core courses, two electives, and six thesis credits.  Electives must be consistent with the student’s program plan. Plans for the thesis option must be made with and approved by the program office.

Core Courses  (three credits each)

CISC 640	Operating Systems
MCIS 630	Database Systems
CISC 650	Computer Networks
MCIS 683	Secure Computer Systems
MCIS 684	Applied Cryptography
MCIS 685	Database Security
MCIS 686	Advanced Network Security
MCIS 687	Information Security Project

 

Suggested Electives  (three credits each)
Use of other courses in the M.S. in IT program as electives must be approved by the program director.

CISC 610	Programming Languages
MMIS 623	Information Privacy and Ethics
MMIS 625	Computer Graphics
CISC 680	Software Engineering
MMIS 654	Electronic Commerce on the Internet
MCIS 665	Client-Server Computing
CISC 670	Artificial Intelligence
MMIS 671	Decision Support Systems
MCIS 680	Human-Computer Interaction
MMIS 681	Multimedia Systems

 

Curriculum for the Graduate Certificate in Information Security (Information System Security)

The certificate will be awarded following completion of the five courses listed below. Each of these courses has prerequisite requirements which may be satisfied by taking the prerequisite courses listed in the course descriptions or by demonstrating equivalent experience or the completion of equivalent courses taken elsewhere.

MCIS   683     Secure Computer Systems
MCIS   684     Applied Cryptography
MCIS   685     Database Security
MCIS   686     Advanced Network Security
MCIS   687     Information Security Project

Concentration in Educational Technology

This concentration is designed to meet the needs of working professionals such as teachers, educational administrators, and trainers working in the public or private sector. It enhances knowledge of how computers, software, and other forms of information technology can be used to improve learning outcomes. In addition, the concentration offers the opportunity for award of a graduate certificate in information security that is recognized by the U.S. National Security Agency.

Graduates with the Concentration in Educational Technology are able to: (1) incorporate effectively both existing and emerging educational and information technology to improve learning in either educational or training environments; (2) train or mentor others to incorporate effectively educational and information technology as an enhancement to educational or training efforts; (3) make informed decisions or recommendations regarding adoption considerations of existing or emerging educational and information technologies in a learning environment; and (4) communicate effectively with professionals both within and outside educational and training environments.

Concentration-Specific Admission Requirements

The applicant must have an earned bachelor’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution and extensive experience with computer applications and the Internet.

Curriculum for the Concentration in Educational Technology

Core courses are listed below. Students must take all seven core courses and five electives. If the thesis option is elected, students must take all seven core courses, three electives, and six thesis credits.  Electives must be consistent with the student’s program plan and approved in advance by the program director. Plans for the thesis option must be made with and approved by the program office.

Core Courses  (three credits each)
MMIS   620     Management Information Systems
MITE    628     Instructional Design
MMIS   630     Database Systems
MMIS   684     Information Security Management
MITE    655     Foundations of Educational Technology
MITE    661     Online Learning Environments
MITE    680     Human Computer Interaction

Suggested Electives  (three credits each)
Use of other courses in the M.S. in IT program as electives must be approved by the program director.
MMIS   621     Information Systems Project Management
MMIS   627     Enterprise Information Systems, Technologies, and Infrastructures
MITE    641     Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning
MITE    642     Communities of Practice
MITE    643     Computer-Mediated Communication
MITE    644     Social Networking
MMIS   653     Telecommunications and Computer Networking
MMIS   656     Web Design Technologies
MMIS   660     Systems Analysis and Design
MITE    670     Learning Theories
MMIS   671     Decision Support Systems
MITE    675     Assistive Technology
MMIS   681     Multimedia Systems
MMIS   683     Fundamentals of Security Technologies
MMIS   685     Information Security Governance
MMIS   686     Information System Auditing
MMIS   687     Information Security Project
MITE    690     Educational Research Methods
MITE    691     Capstone Project

Concentration in Information Security Management

This concentration was developed to address the rapidly growing global problems of maintaining and securing computer information. Important areas addressed by the concentration include threats and vulnerabilities, authentication and access control, information security management, security policies, privacy, ethics, auditing, World Wide Web security, and applications security.

The concentration and graduate certificate are recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) based on its certification of the school’s curriculum under NSA national training standards NSTISSI No. 4011 (Information Systems Security Professionals) and CNSSI No. 4013 (System Administrators). As a result of this certification, Federal civilian and military personnel will be permitted to take the school’s certified graduate courses under government sponsorship, and the school is authorized to issue certificates to students who complete such courses. Individuals may apply to take one or more certified information security courses as non-degree students. These programs are available online or on-campus. Students who complete this concentration will be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Information Security (Administration of Information Security).

Graduates with the Concentration in Information Security Management  are able to: (1) communicate information security management concepts, designs, and solutions effectively and professionally;  (2) apply knowledge of information security management to produce effective designs and solutions for specific problems; (3) identify, analyze, and synthesize scholarly literature relating to information security management; and (4) evaluate software development tools, software systems, and modern computing platforms.

Concentration-Specific Admission Requirements

This concentration is designed for students with undergraduate majors in information technology, management information systems, computer information systems, business administration, or a related field, and having knowledge and significant experience in computer applications. Students who cannot demonstrate competence in programming in a high-level language such as C, C++, or Java must take MMIS 501 Introduction to Java Programming. This course is in addition to the required 36 credit hours at the 600 level. MMIS 501 must be completed prior to taking courses at the 600 level; however, some exceptions may be permitted by the program director.

Curriculum for the Concentration in Information Security Management

Core courses are listed below. Students must take all eight core courses and four electives. If the thesis option is elected, students must take all eight core courses, two electives, and six thesis credits.  Electives must be consistent with the student’s program plan. Plans for the thesis option must be made with and approved by the program office.

Core Courses  (three credits each)

MMIS 627	Enterprise Information Systems, Technologies, and Infrastructures
MMIS 630	Database Systems
MMIS 653	Telecommunications and Computer Networking
MMIS 683	Fundamentals of Security Technologies
MMIS 684	Information Security Managment
MMIS 685	Information Security Governance
MMIS 686	Information System Auditing
MMIS 687	Information Security Project

Suggested Electives  (three credits each)
Use of other courses in the M.S. in IT program as electives must be approved by the program director.
MMIS 610     Survey of Computer Languages
MMIS 615     Quantitative Methods
MMIS 620     Management Information Systems
MMIS 621     Information Systems Project Management
MMIS 623     Information Privacy and Ethics
MMIS 625     Computer Graphics
MMIS 640     System Test and Evaluation
MMIS 642     Data Warehousing
MMIS 654     Electronic Commerce on the Internet
MMIS 656     Web Design Technologies
MMIS 660     Systems Analysis and Design
MMIS 661     Object-Oriented Applications
MMIS 671     Decision Support Systems
MMIS 680     Human-Computer Interaction
MMIS 681     Multimedia Systems

Curriculum for the Graduate Certificate in Information Security (Administration of Information Security)

The certificate will be awarded following completion of the five courses listed below. Each of these courses has prerequisite requirements which may be satisfied by taking the prerequisite courses listed in the course descriptions or by demonstrating equivalent experience or the completion of equivalent courses taken elsewhere.

MMIS   683     Fundamentals of Security Technologies
MMIS   684     Information Security Management
MMIS   685     Information Security Governance
MMIS   686     Information System Auditing
MMIS   687     Information Security Project

Concentration in Information Technology Management

This concentration focuses on the application of information technology to the collection, retention, and dissemination of information for management planning and decision making. The program concentrates on areas such as project management, decision support systems, computer languages, client-server and distributed computing, database systems and data warehousing, telecommunications, system analysis and design, human-computer interaction, electronic commerce, information security, computer graphics, and multimedia. In addition, the concentration offers the opportunity for award of a graduate certificate in information security that is recognized by the U.S. National Security Agency.

Graduates with the Concentration in Information Technology Management are able to: (1) communicate information technology management concepts, designs, and solutions effectively and professionally; (2) apply knowledge of information technology management to produce effective designs and solutions for specific problems; (3) identify, analyze, and synthesize scholarly literature relating to information technology management; and (4) evaluate software development tools, software systems, and modern computing platforms.

Concentration-Specific Admission Requirements

This concentration is designed for students with undergraduate majors in information technology, management information systems, computer information systems, business administration, or a related field, and having knowledge and significant experience in computer applications. Students who cannot demonstrate competence in programming in a high-level language such as C, C++, or Java must take MMIS 501 Introduction to Java Programming. This course is in addition to the required 36 credit hours at the 600 level. MMIS 501 must be completed prior to taking courses at the 600 level; however, some exceptions may be permitted by the program director.

Curriculum for the Concentration in Information Technology Management

Core courses are listed below. Students must take all eight core courses and four electives. If the thesis option is elected, students must take seven core courses, three electives, and six thesis credits.  Electives must be consistent with the student’s program plan. Plans for the thesis option must be made with and approved by the program office.

Core Courses  (three credits each)
MMIS 620     Management Information Systems
MMIS 621     Information Systems Project Management
MMIS 627     Enterprise Information Systems, Technologies, and Infrastructures
MMIS 630     Database Systems
MMIS 653     Telecommunications and Computer Networking
MMIS 660     Systems Analysis and Design
MMIS 671     Decision Support Systems
MMIS 680     Human-Computer Interaction

Suggested Electives  (three credits each)
Use of other courses in the M.S. in IT program as electives must be approved by the program director.

MMIS 610	Survey of Computer Languages
MMIS 615	Quantitative Methods
MMIS 623	Information Privacy and Ethics
MMIS 625	Computer Graphics
MMIS 640	System Test and Evaluation
MMIS 642	Data Warehousing
MMIS 654	Electronic Commerce on the Internet
MMIS 656	Web Design Technologies
MMIS 681	Multimedia Systems
MMIS 683	Fundamentals of Security Technologies
MMIS 684	Information Security Management
MMIS 685	Information Security Governance
MMIS 686	Information System Auditing
MMIS 687	Information Security Project

Graduate Certificate in Information Security (Administration of Information Security)

To earn the certificate, students must take the five elective courses listed below. Each of these courses has prerequisite requirements which may be satisfied by taking the prerequisite courses listed in the course descriptions or by demonstrating equivalent experience or the completion of equivalent courses taken elsewhere.

MMIS   683     Fundamentals of Security Technologies
MMIS   684     Information Security Management
MMIS   685     Information Security Governance
MMIS   686     Information System Auditing
MMIS   687     Information Security Project

MITE Course Descriptions

MITE 628 Instructional Design (3 credits)
This course develops knowledge of instructional design competencies appropriate for use in the development of computer-assisted instruction applications. Students will experience both theory and best practices from the areas of education and training. Students will explore and acquire instructional design skills and knowledge associated with problem identification methodologies, learner analysis, task analysis, instructional objectives, teaching strategies, instructional messages and evaluation.

MITE 641 Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (3 credits)
The course provides an overview of principles, models, methods and effective practices of collaborative and participatory learning, including the impacts of technologies supporting team and group work. The course explores both the theoretical foundations of collaborative learning and pragmatic implementation considerations such as
overcoming student resistance, evaluating collaboration, and leveraging computer mediated communication capabilities to support team-based learning.

MITE 642 Communities of Practice (3 credits)
The course focuses on Communities of Practice (CoP), primarily theoretical and conceptual foundations of online communities for learning. Topics may include defining and assessing needs for building community and evaluating sense of community. Also examined are the design, creation, and evaluation of knowledge domains and CoP environments to support engagement and learning.

MITE 643 Computer-Mediated Communication (3 credits)
Practical and theoretical issues associated with computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems are examined. CMC includes various types of technologies such as email, discussion forums, chats, and various web-centric asynchronous and synchronous communication tools. Topics may include CMC practices in educational and instructional delivery, social structures that emerge when people use CMC applications, and the design and implementation issues associated with constructing CMC technologies for educational use.

MITE 644 Social Networking (3 credits)
Students will explore key issues in social networking as an educational venture. Topics may include the value of social networking for distributed education, current and future trends in social software, delivering content using specific media (blogs, wikis, podcasts, webcasts, etc), the impact of social networking tools to transform teaching and learning, and issues of course design to support learner engagement and online social networking in distributed environments.

MITE 655 Foundations of Educational Technology (3 credits)
This course provides a historical overview of the field and delineates the foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed by professionals in the field of educational technology. Students explore the field by engaging in collaborative projects along with thinking and writing about various educational technology trends and issues.

MITE 661 Online Learning Environments (3 credits)
The course explores research trends in the area of online learning. Students will explore the requirements needed for successful online learning and teaching. Topics investigated may include the process of teaching and learning in an OLE, evaluating effective courseware and online communications technologies, integration of technology into OLEs, working with online classroom dynamics, addressing the needs of the online student, making the transition to online teaching, promoting the development of an online learning community, comparing Learning Management Systems (LMSs), and investigating emerging trends in e-learning and e-training in industry settings.

MITE 670 Learning Theories (3 credits)
Students will explore learning theories and how learning is achieved when instruction is presented from a computer-based paradigm. The course will emphasize the computer as a learning device that can be used in an effective manner to model learning theories associated with behaviorism, cognitivism, and human information processing.

MITE 675 Assistive Technology (3 credits)
The course will provide background and knowledge needed to adapt instructional materials and teaching strategies using assistive technology. Students will become familiar with the range of disabilities and the statutes mandating supportive devices in the classroom and workplace.

MITE 680 Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits)
The field of human-computer interaction (HCI) is explored. HCI is examined in the context of the design and usability of education environments and technology use. Provides a broad and comprehensive overview and offers specific background relating to user-centered design approaches and how these approaches impact educational environments. Areas to be addressed include the user interface and software design strategies, user experience levels, interaction styles, usability engineering, and collaborative systems technology. Students will perform formal interface evaluations and usability tests that apply to educational uses of technology in various ways.

MITE 688 Continuing Thesis in Information Technology in Education (1.5 credits)
Students who have not completed the thesis by the end of the second thesis registration must register for continuing thesis. This allows the student to receive faculty and administrative advice and support related to the thesis. Prerequisite: Completion of second thesis registration.

MITE 690 Educational Research Methods (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to research, statistical analysis, and decision making. Close attention is paid to data types, data distributions, the identification of variables, sampling methods, research designs, hypothesis testing, and descriptive data presentation techniques. Students are introduced to both parametric and nonparametric data analysis procedures including t-tests, chi-square analysis, and simple analysis of variance.

MITE 691 Capstone Project (3 credits)
This course is the capstone of the program. Each student will develop a comprehensive technology-based project using an environment of choice. Its purpose is to allow students the opportunity to further pursue topics or areas in which they have considerable interest. Each project will be closely mentored by faculty.

MITE 695 Special Topics in Information Technology in Education (3 credits)
This seminar focuses on the professor’s current research interests. Requires consent of course professor and program director.

MITE 699 Master’s Thesis in Information Technology in Education (3 credits)
The student develops a framework within which research will be conducted and offers evidence of qualifications to pursue the research. Concepts and theories underlying the student’s thesis research are articulated; the problem is clearly stated; specific, measurable goals are specified; a literature review is presented; the methods of conducting research are delineated; and strategy to achieve the goal is given. Registration for MITE 699 must be repeated for three more credits, for a total of six thesis credits. Prerequisite: Completion of eight courses at the 600-level.

MCIS Course Descriptions

MCIS 500  Assembly Language and Architecture  (3 credits)
A comprehensive examination of the fundamental concepts and architectural structures of contemporary computers. Assembly language programming and the influence of low-level computer architecture on modern computer applications.

MCIS 501  Java Programming Language  (3 credits)
An in-depth study of the Java programming language. Principles of the object-oriented paradigm. Object-oriented programming theory and practice.

MCIS 502  Mathematics in Computing  (3 credits)
Graph theory, lattices and boolean algebras, state models and abstract algebraic structures, logical systems, production systems, computability theory, recursive function theory.

MCIS 503  Data Structures and Algorithms  (3 credits)
Sorting and searching, algorithms for tree structures, advanced data structures, graph algorithms, complexity, dynamic programming, optimization problems.  Prerequisite: MCIS 501 or equivalent.

MCIS 630  Database Systems  (3 credits)
Methodologies and principles of database analysis and design are presented. Conceptual modeling and specifications of databases, database design process and tools, functional analysis, the entity-relationship model, and advanced semantic modeling methods are discussed. Topics include theories of database systems, including the architectures of database systems, logical and physical database organizations, data models for database systems (network, hierarchical, relational, and object-oriented model), relational algebra and calculus, query languages, normal forms, null values and partial information, relational database design utilizing dependencies, view design and integration, concurrency control, query optimization, client-server database applications, distributed databases, object-oriented databases, and the current research and development trends of database analysis, design, modeling, and applications.

MCIS 652  Information Security  (3 credits)
Concepts and applications of system and data security. Topics include risks and vulnerabilities, policy formation, controls and protection methods, database security, encryption, authentication technologies, host-based and network-based security issues, personnel and physical security issues, issues of law and privacy. Areas of particular focus include secure network design, implementation and transition issues, and techniques for responding to security breaches.

MCIS 665  Client-Server Computing  (3 credits)
Concepts and principles of client-server architecture, protocols, networks, and distributed computing are presented. The focus of this course is on distributed application design and implementation. Topics include inter-process communication, the role of the GUI and front-end development tools, middleware, multi-tier architectures, distributed objects, and database interaction. Discussions include the various relationships between client-server computing and business processes. Migration from legacy systems is considered along with concerns for meeting customer requirements.

MCIS 680  Human-Computer Interaction  (3 credits)
The dynamics of human-computer interaction (HCI) are examined along with applying knowledge and theory of systems concepts to computer information systems. Provides a broad and comprehensive overview of HCI as a sub-area of computer information systems. Areas to be addressed include user-centered design approaches to computer information systems, user interface and software design strategies, web site usability, user experience levels, interaction styles, usability engineering, and collaborative systems technology.  Suitable methods will be examined for collecting users’ requirements. Students will perform formal interface evaluations and usability tests that apply to current computer information systems technology.

MCIS 683  Secure Computer Systems  (3 credits)
This course will focus on design principles of trusted computing bases (TCB). Issues regarding authentication, access control and authorization, discretionary and mandatory security policies, secure kernel design, secure operating systems, and secure databases will be covered from a systems architecture perspective. Emphasis will be on the design of security measures for critical information infrastructures. Prerequisites: MCIS 630, CISC 640, and CISC 650.

MCIS 684  Applied Cryptography  (3 credits)
Analysis of cryptographic algorithms, cryptanalysis, symmetric cryptography, public key cryptography, DES, AES, RSA, hash and MAC functions, digital signatures, pseudo-random generators, cryptographic protocols, SSL/TLS, SET. Prerequisites: MCIS 502 (or equivalent), CISC 640, and CISC 650.

MCIS 685  Database Security  (3 credits)
This course will focus on issues related to the design and implementation of secure data stores.  Emphasis will be placed on multilevel security in database systems, covert channels, and security measures for relational and object-oriented database systems. Prerequisites: MCIS 630 and CISC 640.

MCIS 686  Advanced Network Security  (3 credits)
Fundamental concepts, principles, and practical networking and internetworking issues relevant to the design, analysis, and implementation of enterprise-level trusted networked information systems. Topics include networking and security architectures, techniques, and protocols at the various layers of the Internet model. Security problems in distributed application environments will be analyzed and solutions discussed and implemented. Prerequisites: CISC 640, 650.

MCIS 687  Information Security Project  (3 credits)
This project course integrates all of the knowledge accumulated through the previous courses and serves as a capstone for the Concentration in Information Security. The class focuses on techniques for protecting critical information infrastructures through case studies, application development, and systems assessment. Prerequisites: MCIS 683, 684, 685, and 686.

MCIS 688  Continuing Thesis in Computer Information Systems  (1.5 credits)
Students who have not completed the thesis by the end of  the second thesis registration must register for continuing thesis. This allows the student to receive faculty and administrative advice and support related to the thesis. Prerequisite: Completion of second thesis registration.

MCIS 691  Special Topics in Computer Information Systems  (3 credits)
This seminar focuses on the professor’s current research interests. Requires consent of course professor and program director.

MCIS 699  Master’s Thesis in Computer Information Systems  (3 credits)
The student develops a framework within which research will be conducted and offers evidence of qualifications to pursue the research. Concepts and theories underlying the student’s thesis research are articulated; the problem is clearly stated; specific, measurable goals are specified; a literature review is presented; the methods of conducting research are delineated; and strategies to achieve the goal are supplied. Registration for MCIS 699
must be repeated for three more credits, for a total of six thesis credits. Prerequisite: Completion of eight courses at the 600-level.

MMIS Course Descriptions

MMIS 501  Introduction to Java Programming  (3 credits)
An introduction to the Java programming language. The course includes an introduction to the concepts of object-oriented programming and shows how Java supports this programming paradigm. Students learn about the Java environment and write both applets (programs that execute in a web browser) and applications (stand-alone programs). In addition to learning about basic language statements, students learn how Java provides support for such diverse applications as web pages, multimedia, education, etc.

MMIS 610  Survey of Computer Languages  (3 credits)
A study of high-level languages, fourth-generation languages, and command languages used in the development of software for management information systems. The logical and physical structure of programs and data. Concepts of structured programming. Data structures, file management, and their use in problem solving.

MMIS 615  Quantitative Methods  (3 credits)
An introduction to the basic quantitative tools needed to support problem solving and decision making in the information systems environment. Emphasis on application of these tools in a case-based, real-world environment.

MMIS 620  Management Information Systems  (3 credits)
The application of information system concepts to the collection, retention, and dissemination of information for management planning and decision making. Issues such as personnel selection, budgeting, policy development, and organizational interfacing are discussed. Conceptual foundations and planning and development of management information systems. The role of MIS in an organization and the fit between the system and the organization.

MMIS 621  Information Systems Project Management  (3 credits)
Practical examination of how projects can be managed from start to finish. Life-cycle models/paradigms. Life-cycle phases. Project planning and risk analysis. Project control including work breakdown structures, project scheduling, activities and milestones. Software cost estimation techniques and models. Software quality assurance and metrics for software productivity and quality. Inspections, walkthroughs, and reviews. Documentation and configuration management. Automated project management tools. Software maintenance. Procurement of software services and systems and development of IS project specifications. Project management skills including leadership, team building, planning, time management, resource allocation, conflict management, and using IS project management in strategic planning. Ethics in project management. Case studies are used throughout the course to support concepts, principles, and problem solving.

MMIS 623  Information Privacy and Ethics (3 credits)
Building on a foundation in classical ethics, we examine the impact of the computer and the Internet on our society. Topics include ethical decision making; professional codes; whistle-blowing; computer crime; copyrights, patents and intellectual property; privacy; and risk management. Students analyze case studies and write a research paper.

MMIS 625  Computer Graphics  (3 credits)
Principles and concepts of computer graphics useful to information managers. Topics include an introduction to raster graphics, concepts of 2-D and 3-D graphics, modeling, rendering, graphic file formats, color, graphical user interfaces and virtual reality, and the graphical presentation of information.

MMIS 627  Enterprise Information Systems, Technologies, and Infrastructures (3 credits)
Focuses on enterprise-level information systems, technologies, and infrastructures that are emerging as the first generation 21st century application integration design strategies and tools. Included are managing web-based client/server and distributed environments, evaluation of vendor strategies, legacy system migration issues, performance, interoperability, scalability, and security concerns, web services foundations, types of middleware, vendor architectures, distributed applications, the context for integration, service-oriented application integration, multi-enterprise portals, mobile devices, business process integration, Java-based middleware standards, web services APIs, and emerging standards. Cases of enterprise systems and architectures are analyzed.

MMIS 630  Database Systems  (3 credits)
The application of database concepts to management information systems. Design objectives, methods, costs, and benefits associated with the use of a database management system. Tools and techniques for the management of large amounts of data. Database design, performance, and administration. File organization and access methods. The architectures of database systems, data models for database systems (network, hierarchical, relational, and object-oriented model), client-server database applications, distributed databases, and object-oriented databases.

MMIS 640  System Test and Evaluation  (3 credits)
An analysis of the verification and validation process. Methods, procedures, and techniques for integration and acceptance testing. Reliability measurement. Goals for testing. Testing in the small and testing in the large. Allocation of testing resources. When to stop testing. Test case design methods. Black box software testing techniques including equivalence partitioning, boundary-value analysis, cause-effect graphing, and error guessing. White box software testing techniques including statement coverage criterion, edge coverage criterion, condition coverage criterion, and path coverage criterion. Test of concurrent and real-time systems.

MMIS 642  Data Warehousing  (3 credits)
This course includes the various factors involved in developing data warehouses and data marts: planning, design, implementation, and evaluation; review of vendor data warehouse products; cases involving contemporary implementations in business, government, and industry; techniques for maximizing effectiveness through OLAP and data mining.

MMIS 653  Telecommunications and Computer Networking  (3 credits)
This course provides a framework for understanding computer network functionality, characteristics, and configurations. Topics include network topologies, protocols, and architectures and emerging trends in network technologies and services. The role of optical technologies in supporting national and international implementations is explored. Strategies for network planning, implementation, management, and security are introduced. Recent advances in  standardization, internetworking, and deployment of LANs (local area  networks), MANs (metropolitan area networks), and WANs (wide area networks) are introduced.

MMIS 654  Electronic Commerce on the Internet  (3 credits)
This course examines the foundation, operation, and implications of the Internet economy. Topics include Internet technologies, online market mechanisms, interactive customers, knowledge-based products, smart physical products and services, pricing in the Internet economy, online auctions and e-marketplaces, digital governance, policies for the Internet economy and an outlook for the new economy.

MMIS 656  Web Design Technologies  (3 credits)
A hands-on introduction to a variety of technologies involved in the design of web sites. Topics include aligning electronic business models with web site design, planning a web site, understanding the principles and elements of effective web site design, using web development and design tools, and evaluating web site effectiveness.

MMIS 660  Systems Analysis and Design  (3 credits)
Analysis of requirements for information systems. Elicitation/fact-finding, problem analysis, decomposition, and the requirements document. Concepts, methods, techniques, and tools for systems analysis, modeling and simulation, and prototyping. Structured and object-oriented analysis. Role of the systems analyst in the organization. Gaining user commitment and fulfilling user needs. Concepts, tools, and techniques for systems design. Design principles, quality factors, decomposition of complex systems, and modularization techniques. Design methods such as object-oriented and function-oriented design. Comparison of analysis and design techniques.

MMIS 661  Object-Oriented Applications  (3 credits)
Principles and concepts of the object-oriented paradigm and object-oriented programming languages. Notation and techniques for the analysis, design, and implementation of object-oriented systems. Mechanisms for reuse, including composition, inheritance, design patterns, and application frameworks. The use of object-oriented methods in common applications.

MMIS 671  Decision Support Systems  (3 credits)
This course examines concepts of decision support in both automated and non-automated environments. The focus is on application of decision theory, analytical modeling, and simulation techniques to solve organizational problems. Group decision support systems, executive information systems, and expert systems are also discussed. Case studies of existing systems are used to reinforce concepts discussed in class. A major component of the course is a project entailing the design, implementation, and evaluation of a decision support system.

MMIS 680  Human-Computer Interaction  (3 credits)
The dynamics of human-computer interaction (HCI) are examined with a blend of theory and practice pertaining to the study of information systems. Provides a broad and comprehensive overview and offers specific background relating to user-centered approaches in the design and evaluation of information systems applications.  Areas to be addressed include the user interface and software design strategies, user experience levels, interaction styles, usability engineering, web site usability, and collaborative systems technology.  Students will perform formal interface evaluations and usability tests applied to current information systems technology.

MMIS 681  Multimedia Systems  (3 credits)
Introduction to multimedia systems.  Definitions of terms and concepts related to multimedia.  Trends in the development and the use of multimedia. Tools, techniques, and guidelines facilitating the planning, design, production, and implementation of multimedia products.

MMIS 683  Fundamentals of Security Technologies  (3 credits)
An overview of the technical aspects of information security. Issues discussed include authentication, confidentiality, access control, trust and non-repudiation. Investigation of fundamental assurance technologies that can be applied to interface specifications, architectures, and implementations of information security mechanisms. The selection of appropriate security applications, security lifecycles, and interoperability issues will also be covered. Prerequisite: MMIS 653.

MMIS 684  Information Security Management  (3 credits)
Provides an understanding to implement effectively the information security vision and strategy set forth by the executive management. The emphasis will be on the management of an information security program. Focus is on the implementation of information security policy, information security planning, development of information security processes, and establishment of information security measures. Concepts and techniques from the management and organizational behavior disciplines will be integrated in order to identify and propose solutions to the problems of information security administration.

MMIS 685  Information Security Governance  (3 credits)
Challenges and opportunities of effectively governing an organization’s information security requirements and resources. Information security governance lays out the vision for the information security program. Discussions include what constitutes good information security governance, and development of an effective information security strategy and policy. Also focuses on how to improve information security accountability, regulatory compliance, and maturity. Prerequisite: MMIS 684.

MMIS 686  Information Systems Auditing (3 credits)
Fundamental concepts related to an information systems audit. Principles and practices related to secure operation of existing information technology. Information security accountability, development of internal control objectives and framework, and identification of appropriate audit procedures for a secure information system. Prerequisites: MMIS 683, 684.

MMIS 687  Information Security Project  (3 credits)
This project course integrates all of the knowledge accumulated through the previous courses and serves as a capstone for the Concentration in Information Security. The class focuses on best practices demonstrated through case studies and systems assessment. Students may enroll in this class only after completing all of the information security concentration courses. Prerequisites: MMIS 683, 684, 685, and 686.

MMIS 688  Continuing Thesis in Management Information Systems  (1.5 credits)
Students who have not completed the thesis by the end of the second thesis registration must register for continuing thesis. This allows the student to receive faculty and administrative advice and support related to the thesis. Prerequisite: Completion of second thesis registration.

MMIS 691  Special Topics in Management Information Systems  (3 credits)
This seminar focuses on the professor’s current research interests. Requires consent of course professor and program director.

MMIS 699  Master’s Thesis in Management Information Systems  (3 credits)
The student develops a framework within which research will be conducted and offers evidence of qualifications to pursue the research. Concepts and theories underlying the student’s thesis research are articulated; the problem is clearly stated; specific, measurable goals are specified; a literature review is presented; the methods of conducting research are delineated; and strategy to achieve the goal is given. Registration for MMIS 699 must be repeated for three more credits, for a total of six thesis credits. Prerequisite: Completion of eight courses at the 600-level.

CISC Course Descriptions

CISC 610  Programming Languages  (3 credits)
The study of the organization and types of programming languages including analysis of imperative, object-oriented, functional, and declarative language paradigms. Other topics include formal languages and language hierarchies, syntactic and semantic specification, context-free languages, abstraction, modularity, program structure and fundamental programming language concepts.

CISC 615  Design and Analysis of Algorithms  (3 credits)
Principles and techniques used in the design and analysis of computer algorithms. Topics include sorting, algorithms for tree structures, dynamic programming, greedy methods, advanced data structures, divide and conquer, graph algorithms, arithmetic operations, algorithms for parallel computers, matrix operations, string/pattern matching, network problems, approximation algorithms, and NP-completeness.

CISC 630  Compilers  (3 credits)
Application of language theory to the design of compilers and interpreters for high-level programming languages. Lexical, syntactic, and semantic analysis, and code generation. Other topics include storage allocation, symbol table management, optimization, and the use of modern compiler generation tools. Prerequisites: CISC 610 and CISC 631.

CISC 631  Theory of Computation  (3 credits)
Automata and language theory: regular and context free languages; finite state automata and pushdown automata; regular expressions; pumping lemmas. Computability theory: Turing machine and its variants; decidability and reductions; recursive, recursively enumerable (r.e.), and non-r.e. languages. Complexity theory: time complexity and NP-completeness; a survey of NP-complete problems; space complexity and PSPACE-completeness.

CISC 640  Operating Systems  (3 credits)
Concepts of computer operating systems are presented with an emphasis on structured design. Topics include operating systems structure, multiprocessing, synchronization and communication, task management, virtual memory management, file systems, protection and security, operating system extension techniques, fault tolerance, and systems programming. Recent developments in operating systems theory and implementation are covered.

CISC 647  Computer Architecture  (3 credits)
Characteristics and organization of modern processors are presented with an emphasis on the concepts and design of architecture for computer systems and subsystems (personal computers, servers, and embedded devices). Topics include processor fundamentals, instruction set principles, instruction-level parallelism, cache hierarchies, memory organization, virtual memory, multiprocessors and parallel architectures, thread-level parallelism, I/O and storage systems, performance evaluation, fault-tolerance, and clusters.

CISC 650  Computer Networks  (3 credits)
The concepts of computer networks and network services, communication protocols, network and protocol architectures, packet switching techniques, the Internet architecture, topology, internetworking, TCP/IP, network design and analysis methods, switching, and routing. Topics include wired and wireless Ethernet, software and conceptual models, error detection, error correction, transfer and routing protocols, congestion and flow control, quality-of-service, network programming, security, current and future applications.

CISC 654  Information Security  (3 credits)
Theory and principles of information security and data protection. Topics include formal models for computer security, secure operating systems, mechanisms for mandatory and discretionary access controls, distributed secure system architectures, encryption and authentication, integrity models and mechanisms, secure protocols and vulnerability analysis.

CISC 660  Database Management Systems  (3 credits)
Concepts of three levels of database architectures and their relationships, DBMS internals and their functions with associated API interfaces, various types of data models and their implementations in both internal  and external perspectives, principles and techniques for database design and implementation,  organizations of data and file structures and access methods, theory of query processing and optimization, mechanisms of concurrency control and transaction processing, and other new trends of database technologies.

CISC 665  Distributed Systems  (3 credits)
Concepts and design of distributed systems and applications with an emphasis on protocols and distributed state. Topics include distributed systems architecture (system models, communication, and peer-to-peer systems); middleware (distributed objects, security, directory services, and web services); distributed systems infrastructure (distributed file systems, and distributed shared memory); distributed state coordination (time and global states, coordination, transactions, concurrency control, and replication); mobile and ubiquitous computing and future research directions. This course extends the foundation of operating systems and computer networking. Prerequisites: CISC 640 and CISC 650.

CISC 670  Artificial Intelligence  (3 credits)
Theory and practice of artificial intelligence and knowledge-based expert systems. Topics include knowledge representation and inference, heuristic and adversary search, genetic algorithms, machine learning, neural computing, reasoning under uncertainty, symbolic programming using Lisp, logic programming using Prolog, and expert systems. Development and implementation of algorithms for intelligent systems is emphasized. Examples from current application areas such as robotics, planning, machine vision, natural language processing, and intelligent agents are used to reinforce the concepts.

CISC 680  Software Engineering  (3 credits)
The development of software-intensive systems; software quality factors; software engineering principles; system life-cycle models and paradigms; requirements definition and analysis; behavioral specification; software design; implementation; software testing techniques; verification and validation; system evolution; software project management.

CISC 681  Computer Graphics  (3 credits)
Principles of computer graphics, including fundamental raster operations including scan conversion, fill methods, and anti-aliasing. Coordinate systems, transformations, scene graphs and other 3D modeling methods. Rendering, hidden surface removal and ray tracing. Animation; graphical user interfaces. Modern computer graphics languages.

CISC 683  Object-Oriented Design  (3 credits)
Principles and concepts of the object-oriented paradigm. Notation and techniques for the analysis, design, and implementation of object-oriented systems. Mechanisms for reuse, including composition, inheritance, design patterns, and application frameworks.  Object-oriented programming.

CISC 685  Human-Computer Interaction  (3 credits)
Focuses on the dynamics of human-computer interaction (HCI). Provides a broad and comprehensive overview of HCI as a sub-area of computer science and implements user-centered design approaches to computer systems including Internet and web-based environments. Areas to be addressed include the user interface and software design strategies and methodologies, user experience levels, interaction styles, and usability engineering. Students will design, evaluate, implement, and test user interfaces using appropriate computer science concepts and methodologies using current programming language environments.

CISC 688  Continuing Thesis in Computer Science  (1.5 credits)
Students who have not completed the thesis by the end of the second thesis registration must register for continuing thesis. This allows the student to receive faculty and administrative advice and support related to the thesis. Prerequisite: Completion of second thesis registration.

CISC 690  Special Topics in Computer Science  (3 credits)
This seminar focuses on the professor’s current research interests. Prerequisite: Consent of the course professor and program director based on student’s qualifications.

CISC 699  Master’s Thesis in Computer Science  (3 credits)
The student develops a framework within which research will be conducted and offers evidence of qualifications to pursue the research. Concepts and theories underlying the student’s thesis research are articulated; the problem is clearly stated; specific, measurable goals are specified; a literature review is presented; the methods of conducting research are delineated; and strategies to achieve the goal are supplied. Registration for CISC 699 must be repeated for three more credits, for a total of six thesis credits. Prerequisite: Completion of eight courses at the 600-level.